Cincinnati Reds: Five bold predictions for the MLB Playoffs

5. Reds advance to the NLCS, but fall to the Dodgers in six games.

The Cincinnati Reds most certainly have a good chance to advance past the Atlanta Braves in the Wild Card Series, and could move past either the Chicago Cubs or Miami Marlins in order to advance to the NLCS. However, that’s where they’d likely meet the Los Angeles Dodgers, and I just can’t see this club making that type of leap this year.

The Dodgers are the most complete team in baseball. LA has great hitting, a solid rotation and their bullpen is good enough. If Cincinnati is able to advance to the NLCS, and I believe they will, I don’t know if they’ll have enough offense to take down the NL West Champs. The Dodgers lineup features Mookie Betts, Corey Seager, Chris Taylor and Cody Bellinger.

The Dodgers’ rotation is no slouch either. Former MVP and three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw owns a 6-2 record with a 2.16 ERA. Dustin May has emerged this season as a solid No. 1 behind Kershaw, putting up a 2.57 ERA in 12 games this season. Then there’s there relief corp of Kenley Jensen, Blake Treinen and former Reds pitcher Dylan Floro.

The Reds rotation is dangerous enough to give Cincinnati a puncher’s chance, but I just don’t trust this offense enough to take them beyond the NLCS. However, if the trio of Mike Moustakas, Nick Castellanos and Eugenio Suárez get hot, anything could happen. Here’s hoping for the best as the Reds enter the MLB Playoffs for the first time since 2013.